S&W 642 v 442

[chiboxer]

I am seriously considering purchasing an S&W J-frame. I was looking at a 442 v 642. Is there some substantive difference between these two revolvers other than the finish? Can anyone recommend a decent IWB and OWB holster for one? I plan to pocket carry it, as well, but have narrowed that holster choice down to a pocket holster from RKBA holsters. Thanks

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[druryj]

No difference but the finish. I have a 642. Mr. Softy (High Noon) works fine for IWB for me and Kramer leather for OWB is my preference. RKBA rocks as a pocket holster too.

[buckeye .45]

Yup, the finish is the only difference that I am aware of between the two. I really like my IWB bare asset from high noon (same as Mr. Softy but with cant). I think that their stocking item holsters are one of the better holster deals out there.

[Diddle]

I suspect the only issue is holster wear on the 442's finish. I have a 442 but I bought it to spruce up. Perhaps gold plated trigger and cylinder release, add some nice exotic grips etc. Sort of a project gun / show piece. I guess if I were to want to keep the gun pristine, I'd go for the 642.

BTW they shoot great. I love mine.

Just a thought....

Best!

[theheater905]

Both of these models are also available without the lock although they may be a bit harder to find.

[nash]

The 642 will also get holster wear.

[los]

Not sure about the 442, but the 642 has had problems with it's clear coat / frame finish, coming off with certain well known cleaning solutions/oils.

[EW3]

I've owned both (both also now gone, just not a wheelgun person) they are identical except for the finish and the 442 has a blued cylinder while the 642 has a stainless one. To be honest, if I were going to get another snubbie, it would be a Ruger LCR. I tried one as a rental a while back and liked the trigger FAR more than the S&W, and the recoil was a little more manageable too. Check one of them out too if you can.

[BugDude]

I've shot and carried my 442 quite a bit. From what I've read, the black annodized finish of the 442 frame seems to hold up better than the gray finish of the 642. Mine's not showing any wear. I did have a tiny spot on the edge of the trigger guard that I touched up with a black sharpie and it has held up great. It really comes down to personal preference as aesthetics really won't impact the performance of either model. For me personally, if I'm going to have a silver gun, I want it to be a real shiney silver. The matte black doesn't reflect light and it kind of blends in.

[lws380]

Congrats, everyone needs a snubby. I have a 442 and love it. Pocket carry generally requires a larger pocket like cargo pants or something with baggy/larger pockets. Easy to conceal IWB. I would recommend a forward cant on the holster of about 15-20 degrees. That will help hide the grip!

[chiboxer]

Thanks for the input everyone. I might just check out the new LCR prior to making my purchase.

[DIABLO9489]

Can't go wrong with either one. I have a 638 and a 438 (shrouded hammer). I bought the 438 for my designated on duty BUG. For a good IWB take a look at the High Noon line of holsters and for pocket carry pick up a Desantis Nemesis. Most of them are very reasonably priced and high quality.